I found (ok was taken to) some yellow lady slippers on a recent hike. One of our neighbors shared a yellow lady slipper habitat they check every year. Unfortunately there was evidence of more foot traffic and the number of lady slippers was down this year.
I found this purple lady slipper not far away.
Like all orchids, lady slippers are sensitive plants requiring just the right soil and location.
The less they are disturbed the better. Our neighbors actually usually try to block the spur off the trail to these lady slippers. Nothing crazy just a little brush across the place the spur splits off the main trail.
A few random photos - this is one of my crabapple trees.
Lake Dunmore on a day with clouds low on the mountains.
And a few more lady slippers from a different location.
These are on private land so better protected as long as the current owners are around.
Vermont has a tradition of freedom to roam and unposted land is open to the public for responsible use. Its still a good practice to know whose land you are on and get permission.
Star of Bethlehem is another invasive but pretty wildflower in Vermont. I threw this pic in because I don't think I've posted one yet this spring.
